Kalindi Darpan Socio-Cultural Organization organized SMARAN 2016 an
evening to pay tribute to Kathak Queen Sitara Devi on her second death
anniversary, on 24th December 2016 at Rabindra Bhawan, Kolkata. The
evening was studded with eminent artistes and other guests to pay
tribute to the legend. Sitara Devi’s contribution to Kathak dance was
hailed by the speakers. Trained in the Banaras gharana, Vishal Krishna,
an eminent Kathak dancer and his brother Kushal Krishna, an eminent
tabla player, grand nephews of Sitara Devi, were the main attractions of
the event. They mesmerized the audience with their performance.

Anasua, Saswati and Rudrani

Amit Khinchi, Shubhi
Johari

Vishal Krishna

The function started with screening of a visual biography of Sitara
Devi. A trio of Kathak, Odissi and Bharatanatyam performed by Anasua
Majumdar, Saswati Garai and Rudrani Konar from Kolkata and duet Kathak
performance by Amit Khinchi and Shubhi Johari from Delhi was appreciated
by all.

The angelic faced Vishal Krishna has made a name on national and global
level. His performance included brief footwork full of rhythmic clarity
with uthan on the tabla played by Kushal Krishna. Another presentation
that added beauty was the jugalbandi of tabla by Kushal and the rhythmic
play on the brass plate by Vishal where he stands on the rim and
performs. The prominent and distinct sound of the bells tapers down to
the faintest sound of only one bell which was quite phenomenal. Due to
limited time he tried to bring the overall beautiful creations of
Banaras Gharana with his performance by explaining and then performing
the patterns. He ended his performance by showing ‘Jatayu Moksha’ from
Ramayana were Ravana kidnaps Sita and how Jatayu tries to rescue her. It
was an expressive presentation which touched the heart of the audience.